Latest news with #Rudraksh
The Print
17-07-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Uttarakhand sets record with over 8.13 lakh saplings planted on Harela festival
Plantation programmes were held at thousands of locations — including villages, towns, cities, schools, Anganwadi centres — with active participation from the local administration, forest department, NGOs, women's groups, and youth. According to a government release, the plantation drive was aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, which Chief Minister Dhami expanded into a broader initiative with the slogan 'Celebrate the festival of Harela, repay the debt of Mother Earth.' Over 8,13,000 saplings were planted across all 13 districts of the state, making it the largest such plantation effort in Uttarakhand during a single festival, the release said. Dehradun, Jul 16 (PTI) Uttarakhand created a new record on Wednesday by planting over 8.13 lakh saplings across the state on the occasion of the Harela festival, with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launching the campaign by planting a Rudraksh sapling. The state had initially set a target of planting five lakh saplings for Harela this year. In comparison, around two lakh saplings were planted on Harela in 2016. Speaking at a plantation programme at the Gorkha Military Inter College campus here, Dhami said Harela is not just a festival but an emotion rooted in Uttarakhand's culture, nature and environmental consciousness. It reminds citizens of their duty toward protecting nature, he added. 'This is not just a figure of saplings planted, but a living example of collective effort, reflecting our commitment to environmental protection,' he said. He emphasised that planting trees is only the beginning. 'We must nurture the saplings like our own children to ensure they grow into lush green trees,' Dhami said. He added that 50 per cent of the saplings planted in each forest division this year will be fruit-bearing trees. Highlighting environmental challenges like climate change, uncontrolled development, and resource exploitation, Dhami said a collective effort is required to restore ecological balance. He also informed that the Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority (SARA) has helped conserve over 6,500 water sources and collect 3.12 million cubic metres of rainwater in the state. The state has also imposed a complete ban on single-use plastic and made dustbins mandatory in vehicles, he said. The chief minister called upon people to plant saplings on special occasions in their lives and nurture them, turning environmental protection into a mass movement. State Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal, who was also present at the event, said the survival rate of saplings planted during Harela over the past three years has been over 80 per cent. PTI DPT HIG HIG This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Harela festival kicks off with target to plant 5 lakh saplings
Dehradun: The Harela festival, a traditional celebration rooted in the agricultural heritage of Uttarakhand's Kumaon region, began on Wednesday. Symbolising prosperity, fertility and the onset of the sowing season, this year's festivities continue with the theme 'ek paed maa ke naam' (plant a tree in Mother Earth's name) — a call to repay our debt to nature by planting trees. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the festival by planting a Rudraksh sapling at the Gorkha Military Intermediate College in Dehradun. He also distributed soil health cards for 24 forest divisions, developed by the Forest Research Institute. Highlighting the state's environmental initiatives, Dhami said, "Through the Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority (SARRA), over 6,500 water sources have been conserved and 3.12 million cubic meters of rainwater harvested." The state forest department has set a target of planting at least five lakh saplings during the festival — three lakh in Garhwal and two lakh in Kumaon — across 2,400 designated sites. Forest minister Subodh Uniyal said the state has maintained a nearly 80% sapling survival rate over the past three years. Principal chief conservator of forests Samir Sinha said by Wednesday, at least 8.13 lakh saplings had been planted. Agriculture minister Ganesh Joshi also announced that the agriculture and horticulture departments aim to plant 15 lakh fruit tree saplings.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Mayor and MLA lead initiative as LMC plants over 1 lakh saplings
Lucknow: The Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) planted 1,37,312 saplings on Wednesday under the state-wide 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0' campaign. The plantation drive was held at multiple locations, with the main event taking place in Amrapali Yojana, Dubagga. The campaign saw active participation from local residents. MLA Pankaj Singh, who led the drive planted a Red Sandalwood sapling, while mayor Sushma Kharkwal planted a Rudraksh sapling. The plantation was carried out under the supervision of additional municipal commissioner Arvind Kumar Rao. In Bharawan Kala, 14,314 saplings were planted. Jankipuram third ward in Rasulpur saw 81,800, while 41,198 saplings were placed across city parks. According to horticulture superintendents Gangaram Gautam and Shashikant Shashi, a wide variety of species were planted, including mango, amla, neem, peepal, jamun, rudraksha, parijat, banyan, arjun, tamarind, sindoor bel, and kachnar. MLA Pankaj Singh said the campaign will ensure a significant contribution to environmental protection. "Planting over 1.37 lakh trees in one day is a major step toward building a cleaner, greener city. I commend the mayor and her team for leading this effort," he said. Kharkwal added, "This campaign is a reminder of our responsibility to the environment. Planting a tree in our mother's name is symbolic, but caring for it is the real commitment. I urge citizens to nurture these saplings."
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
New session begins with focus on community involvement, girls' edu
1 2 3 4 Lucknow: The new academic session in UP govt schools began on Tuesday with the 'School Chalo Abhiyan', featuring traditional welcome and special focus on community participation in education. Digital innovations were used to promote awareness, focusing on the enrolment and participation of girls. "As part of the campaign, plantation drives are being conducted under the slogan 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'. The initiative reflects the Yogi govt's commitment to making education a tool for social change, aiming to reach every child," said a govt schools reopened with students being greeted with sensitivity, respect and cultural warmth. Simultaneously, the second phase of the 'School Chalo Abhiyan' started, running from July 1 to July 15. In Prayagraj, students received books and stationery, and a rally was organised alongside a plantation drive featuring saplings of Rudraksh, Parijat and Mahogany. At Primary School Amkheda in Madhogarh block of Jalaun, teachers and students issued a digital appeal to the community, urging them to send their children to school. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo This emerged as a powerful example of promoting social participation in education. Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) in districts like Lakhimpur Kheri, Varanasi and Ambedkar Nagar warmly welcomed girls, emphasising the Yogi govt's priority on girls' education. Rallies, wall paintings, and cultural programmes promoted the message of education from Prayagraj to Saharanpur. Basic education minister Sandeep Singh said the campaign's focus on door-to-door outreach, girls' enrolment and identifying out-of-school children, aims at including every child in the new academic session. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From selling flowers at Kumbh Mela to luxury cars: Monalisa's glamourous pics break the internet
Monalisa Bhonsle, a 16-year-old Rudraksh mala vendor, experienced a life-altering transformation after gaining online recognition. Her viral fame led to opportunities in entertainment, including a music video and a role in the film 'The Diary of Manipur.' However, her film debut faces controversy as the director alleges a smear campaign, adding early challenges to her burgeoning career. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Unexpected Challenges in Her Film Career The modern age of social media is marked by the ability to transform ordinary lives in an instant. A single image or a brief clip can shift someone's destiny. This is the story of Monalisa Bhonsle , a 16-year-old from Madhya Pradesh , whose journey exemplifies this phenomenon. Once a young vendor selling Rudraksh malas for just Rs. 100 at the bustling Kumbh Mela , Monalisa's daily life revolved around modest earnings and tireless her fortunes took a dramatic turn when she gained recognition online. As reported by Monalisa was recently seen riding in a luxurious vehicle estimated to be worth over Rs. 1 crore. Her transformation from a small-time seller to a viral sensation has warmed the hearts of her supporters, who now cheer her on with admiration and growing popularity caught the attention of various professionals in the entertainment world. She was recently photographed for a diamond brand campaign , showcasing her evolving image. Singer Utkarsh Singh was captivated by her viral picture and felt she would be ideal for his music video Saadgi. Upon listening to the song, Monalisa instantly connected with its essence and agreed to be part of the project after receiving encouragement from her family. Although unfamiliar with facing the camera and experiencing natural nervousness, she managed to deliver a commendable music video, which premiered on June 14, has been warmly received across digital platforms, garnering praise and appreciation from audiences. On YouTube, the video has surpassed one million views and 58K has also secured a role in a feature film titled The Diary of Manipur, directed by Sanoj Mishra. Besides acting, she is now attending brand launches and public events, carving her niche in the limelight. Her aspirations have also expanded—she now dreams of owning a home in Mumbai, a goal that once seemed far beyond her one of her recent videos, Monalisa was seen visiting Mahamandleshwar Sri Sri 1008 Mata Sati Nandagiri's Mangalamukhi Dham kinnar Akhada Monalisa's cinematic journey has encountered early turbulence. According to her debut film has become embroiled in a controversy before its release. Director Sanoj Mishra has filed a formal complaint against five individuals, including the owner of a YouTube channel, accusing them of orchestrating a smear campaign aimed at discrediting both him and the February, Mishra lodged the complaint at Mumbai's Amboli police station. The FIR outlines that the accused have allegedly made damaging statements, including false claims that none of Mishra's earlier films have been released. One of them allegedly threatened to sabotage Monalisa's budding career. Other allegations target the production's budget and raise questions about the film's overall execution.
